South African R1 Series

[Mr. B.]

This is a South African R1 bayonet and scabbard. It is for their FN-FAL style weapons. This is the type of bayonet that was modified to fit on the South African Galil/Kalashnikov style R4 rifle. The R4 is featured in Martin Ivie's book "Kalashnikov Bayonets".

[Mr. B.]

Additional R1 picture. M.

[Brian]

Lots of those around here in SA
Not expensive either.
Here is the R4 bayonet, made from R1 bayonets by my friend Bruce at Valley Trading for the army unit way back then.

[Brian]

Here is another type done at a unit level using the R1 bayonet and a sleeve to close off the FH ports.
This one is far easier to make, but was not an ideal situation and they were mainly used for ceremonial use.

[modellkm87]

Still have the two in my collection, has to be one of the rarest of the group. So rare, no one knows about them

[leeco]

A picture of this beauty I found at my local fair, not sure how it ended up in England

[Brian]

Welcome Lee, good to have you here.
Yes, that is an extraordinary find. I know Bruce told me he sold the original plans, and one or 2 of the original bayonets to a collector (I think in the UK)
If that is the case, this could be one of those. I'll ask Bruce for the details on Monday. Here's a pic of the plans

[leeco]

I was probably the only person who realised what it was, luckily for me

[Mr. B.]

Excellent Find! Thanks for sharing. When someone finds something unique like this it keeps us all going, having hope. Mike

[Mr. B.]

Here are a few more pictures of the South African R4 - R5 bayonets and scabbards. Mike

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